Abstract
The use of mulching, compost, and their interaction on organic residue (OR) decomposition rate (k), time of residue decay, primming effect, and soil organisms’ community composition was tested in a 16-year P. pyrifolia field experiment conducted from January 2020 to June 2021. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used with compost and mulching as the two factors within four blocks. OR decomposition was characterized by using litter bags with different mesh, and soil organisms were identified at family level. The half-decay rate (hd), total-decay rate (td), and remaining residue mass (Rm) varied among the organic residue management and mesh-type. The highest values of k and primming effect were found in litter bags with 15 mm2 size containing compost in the plots that received compost. For soil organisms’ abundance and richness, the highest values were found on plot that received both mulching and compost. The observed results suggested that the OR management determined organic matter decomposition, soil organisms’ abundance and richness in an Acrisols of the Southern Brazil. Soil organisms were the main factors contributing to the data variance (e.g., Acaridae, Blattidae, Chrysopidae, Halictophagidae, and Forficulidae).
Highlights
IntroductionOrganic residues are the major source of energy supply and habitat for nutrient cycling and soil organisms [1]
In subtropical agroecosystems, organic residues are the major source of energy supply and habitat for nutrient cycling and soil organisms [1]
Decomposition rate (k), and primming effect varied among the organic residue management and mesh-type in the 16-year P. pyrifolia field
Summary
Organic residues are the major source of energy supply and habitat for nutrient cycling and soil organisms [1]. In Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Nakai plantation, the transition process from conventional to organic farming system (OFS) accounts for 18% of its cultivated area in the southern Brazil and represents 22,000 t year−1 of P. pyrifolia fruits produced in an OFS [2,3] In this condition, organic residues with Cand N-rich compounds may improve net primary production, soil food web, and organic residue decomposition [4,5,6]. Field studies considering the effects of the continuous use of organic residues as compost and mulching on organic residue decomposition modulated by the soil organisms’ activity are rare [2,3,5] In this context, the use of organic residues can be an important alternative to promote soil quality, nutrient cycling by increasing soil organisms’ activity, its community structure, and soil food web [9]
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